Thyroid Antibodies Panel (TPOAb and TgAb)
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A thyroid antibodies panel is a blood test that measures two specific antibodies: thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). These antibodies are produced by the immune system when it mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This test helps diagnose autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) or Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism), by identifying the presence and levels of these antibodies.
Written by: Dr Pooja Trehan, MD Pathology, Dept. of Heamatology
Reasons for Undergoing The Thyroid Antibodies Test
The Thyroid Antibodies Panel, which includes tests for TPOAb and TgAb, is a crucial diagnostic tool for various thyroid-related conditions. There are several key reasons why your healthcare provider might recommend this test:
- Diagnosing autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, as these antibodies are present in a significant majority of patients with these conditions.
- Predicting the development of future thyroid disorders, even if your current thyroid function is normal, as elevated levels of TPOAb and TgAb can indicate an increased risk.
- Monitoring the progression or remission of known thyroid conditions to help guide treatment decisions and assess the effectiveness of therapy.
- Differentiating between various thyroid disorders, such as distinguishing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis from other forms of hypothyroidism or identifying Graves’ disease.
- Assessing the extent of damage to the thyroid gland, which may be due to autoimmune diseases, thyroid cancer, or other factors affecting thyroid health.
List of Parameters Considered During the Thyroid Antibodies Test
The Thyroid Antibodies Panel measures two key parameters to evaluate your thyroid health and identify potential autoimmune conditions:
- Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb): This test measures the level of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Elevated TPOAb levels are highly indicative of autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (present in about 90% of cases) and Graves’ disease (present in about 70% of cases). TPOAb can also be elevated in individuals with normal thyroid function who may develop autoimmune thyroid disease in the future, and low levels may be found in pregnancy, thyroid cancer, and post-viral thyroiditis.
- Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb): This test measures the level of antibodies against thyroglobulin, a protein produced by the thyroid gland that is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Elevated TgAb levels suggest autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (present in 60-85% of cases) and Graves’ disease (present in 30-60% of cases). High TgAb levels can also indicate thyroid cancer and may be associated with greater symptom burden in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Home Collection for Thyroid Antibodies Test Near You
At SimplyCare, we understand the importance of convenience and comfort when it comes to your health. That’s why we offer a reliable home sample collection service for the Thyroid Antibodies Panel. Our trained phlebotomists will visit your doorstep to collect the necessary samples, ensuring your safety and providing a comfortable experience.
We maintain the highest standards of sample handling and testing accuracy, so you can trust the results. With our commitment to making healthcare accessible and providing quality diagnostic solutions, you can expect timely and reliable results from the comfort of your home.
Price : ₹ 2,400
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb) tests play a crucial role in the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of autoimmune thyroid diseases and help healthcare providers tailor treatment plans to individual patients’ needs. Here are some reasons why the panel is done:
Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases (AITD) Detection: These antibodies are primarily associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) and Graves’ disease. In Hashimoto’s, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and eventual destruction. In Graves’ disease, the antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to excessive production of thyroid hormones. Testing for TPOAb and TgAb helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions.
Confirmation of Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism: Elevated levels of TPOAb and/or TgAb along with abnormal thyroid hormone levels can confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disease, which can lead to either hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Prediction of Future Thyroid Dysfunction: Detecting the presence of these antibodies in individuals with normal thyroid function can indicate an increased risk of developing thyroid dysfunction in the future. This allows for proactive management and monitoring of thyroid health.
Monitoring Treatment Response: For individuals diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease, regular monitoring of TPOAb and TgAb levels can help assess the effectiveness of treatment, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy or anti-thyroid medications.
TPO Antibodies (TPOAb): This test measures levels of antibodies that target an enzyme (thyroid peroxidase) crucial for thyroid hormone production. High TPOAb often indicates Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition causing hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb): This test measures antibodies against thyroglobulin, a protein the thyroid gland stores. Elevated TgAb levels can also suggest Hashimoto’s disease.
Thyroid antibodies test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.
Normal levels: no thyroid antibodies were found. This means that symptoms of hypothyroidism are probably not caused by an autoimmune disorder.
Abnormal results for thyroid antibodies, specifically TPO antibodies, can indicate an underlying thyroid issue, particularly autoimmune thyroid diseases. A positive TPO antibody is a common finding in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). High TPO levels suggest your immune system is attacking the thyroid gland. The severity of the elevated TPO antibodies might influence the interpretation. Very high levels are more strongly linked to Hashimoto’s. Doctors often combine TPO results with other thyroid function tests (TSH, T4, Free T4) to get a complete picture.
There are no specific preparations required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.
